2.73 rear end question

[NJ C10 Guy]

Hey guys, quick question. I have a stock 2.73 rear end in my 86 stepside now and I'm looking to swap out for a 3.73. Just to be certain, the stock rear in my truck is a 10-bolt, 8.5", 30 spline, 3 series carrier, correct? I'm looking at the Motive Gear gm10-373 kit and I want to make sure it will work.

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/mgr-gm10-373

I had a guy I called to get a quote from tell me that I'd need a new carrier. I was also quoted me $600 for labor only on the install, which is a little insane IMO. Thanks in advance for the help.

[johnwaynejeep]

I can't speak intelligently about axles or their internals. But I'll relay what people have told me. I've had multiple people tell me not to work on my own axle. I was told that axle work is very finicky, if one thing is wrong or aligned incorrectly then the whole pumpkin could be damaged beyond repair, and it could happen at 5 miles or 500 miles. This might be why axle work is so expensive, because it has to be very precise. As for the carrier, I know carriers can only support a range of ring gears. If the ring gear you're trying to install is outside of this range then you will need a new carrier as well. I was told this about my Wrangler when I wanted to change to 4.10 gears.

Given that you're not exactly sure about the parts needed, I would suggest taking it to a professional, preferably one who can give you a warranty of 1000 miles or more on the parts and labor. The cost is more, but the peace of mind and warranty supplied could be worth it.

[K5owner]

Why did you post the same thread twenty minutes apart?

[NJ C10 Guy]

Originally Posted by K5owner

Why did you post the same thread twenty minutes apart?

I posted from my phone but got tied up with something and didn't remember if I submitted the post or not. I opened my browser 20 minutes later and the screen was still there as if I hadn't posted so I submitted the post. Now I can't change or edit my original post. If a mod can delete this thread that would be great.

[ont_guy_38]

You have the correct carrier for 373 gears, the guy might be thinking of 12 bolt.

[Aaron_L]

I bought a whole rear end from the wrecking yard with a 3.73 gear in it for $100. It was way cheaper than putting a set of gears in. $600 seems ridiculously high. I used to kknow of a shop that would do it for $150 labor but that was 7-8 years ago.

[NJ C10 Guy]

Originally Posted by Aaron_L

I bought a whole rear end from the wrecking yard with a 3.73 gear in it for $100. It was way cheaper than putting a set of gears in. $600 seems ridiculously high. I used to kknow of a shop that would do it for $150 labor but that was 7-8 years ago.

Yeah I have been looking around and on craigslist but havent seen anything that looked great. Plus, getting it to my house won't be the easiest thing, then ill have an old rear ill need to get rid of. i had another shop quote me 350 for the labor, and now im looking to possibly add an eaton posi.